Cameron rallies British business leaders
No 10 is playing host to a host of Britain’s leading business figures as David Cameron pushes forward with his “pro-jobs” agenda.
The prime minister is hosting talks in Downing Street after securing pledges from major employers to create ‘thousands of UK jobs in 2011 and beyond’.
Energy firms like Centrica and Shell, grocery giants Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons and retailers like John Lewis and Marks and Spencer are among those represented today.
“This year the government is determined to help deliver many thousands of new jobs and I’m delighted that the companies joining me today are part of that,” Mr Cameron said.
“Across a whole range of areas you’re going to see the most pro-business, pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda ever unleashed by a government.
“It’s time we looked forward to a positive, strong, confident Britain. By developing the right skills and jobs I am determined that the many not the few will share in the country’s prosperity.”
Firms were keen to show off their apprenticeship schemes and training schemes. Microsoft’s managing director Gordon Frazer said its ‘Britain Works’ programme would generate 4,000 jobs. McDonalds said it would employ 3,000 more people in 2011. Asda said it would create 15,000 retail apprenticeships.
Paul Venables, group finance director at recruiters Hays, commented: “Over the coming years it is the private sector which will be creating the bulk of new jobs in this country.
“All our focus must be on supporting a healthy, flexible and vibrant private sector economy because that will deliver the employment opportunities we need.”
